By Dan Ambrose: Former two-time world title challenger Chris Arreola (36-4-1, 31 KOs) wants WBC heavyweight champion Deontay “Bronze Bomber” Wilder’s title more than anything as they head towards their fight in 10 days from now on July 16 at the Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama.
If Arreola can win the WBC off Wilder, he can set himself up for a big money fight against either IBF heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua of IBO/WBA/WBO champion Tyson Fury. It would be life changing money that Arreola would make from either of those guys.
The money that Arreola can make fighting Wilder is nothing compared to the money he can make in a unification fight against one of the UK heavyweights Joshua or Fury.
“I want that title. I want it more than anything. I’ve been working my [backside] off over here in San Diego and I’m going to make the best out of this opportunity,” said Arreola via fightnews.com.
It’s pretty important that Arreola wins the WBC title off Wilder, because this might be the last time he gets to fight for a world title. Arreola has failed in the past in fights for the WBC world title against Vitali Klitschko and Bermane Stiverne. Those fights took place when Arreola was younger and his career in better shape than it is now.
In case you didn't already know….. It's going down on July 16th!!! #WilderArreola #PBConFox pic.twitter.com/ZqHZPk0Jvx
— Deontay Wilder (@BronzeBomber) July 6, 2016
With the way that Arreola has been fighting since 2013, he appears to be going downhill as a fighter. Arreola was twice between by Stiverne, and looked bad in his fights against Fred Kassi and Travis Kauffman. Arreola-Kassi ended in a 10 round draw last July, and Arreola’s fight against Kauffman resulted in it being ruled a no contest due to Arreola testing positive for a banned rug afterwards.
“I’m getting excited man. I’m always excited to fight. I was born to do this. The closer it gets, the more eager and excited I become ready to get in the ring and do what I love to do and that’s to knock out people,” said Wilder.
If Wilder beats Arreola, then the World Boxing Council is going to need to make a decision about who Wilder’s mandatory challenger will be. It was supposed to be Alexander Povetkin, but he tested positive for a banned substance. The WBC has been investigating the case ever since. At some point, the WBC is going to need to make up their mind about what to do with Wilder and his mandatory. He can’t just fight voluntary defenses for the next 10 years of his career.